Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB Still Alive — Ayaneo Clarifies Misunderstanding

In the last few days, we’ve seen quite the buzz around Ayaneo and its Flip handhelds. Initially, there was some confusion, with a now-deleted announcement post on their Indiegogo page suggesting that the Flip series was being discontinued. However, Ayaneo has since provided some much-needed clarification: the Flip KB and Flip DS aren’t going anywhere.

In essence, the production of the Flip series did come to a halt, but this wasn’t as dramatic as it initially appeared. By the time production was stopped, a whopping 98% of the crowdfunding orders had already been shipped, leaving just 18 units stranded in the production pipeline. Those remaining orders qualify for either refunds or trade-ins, as we’ve mentioned in our earlier discussions.

Importantly, Ayaneo has reassured fans that the Flip series is not discontinued. In fact, they’re gearing up for another production run, with plans to roll out “several hundred” more units over the next three months. Looking even further ahead, they’ve hinted at exciting prospects like a Flip DS 2 and Flip KB 2. Given the crowded space of foldable and slidable keyboard handhelds, my personal nod would go to focusing on the Flip DS version, but of course, that’s just a suggestion from my side.

This is great news for those who’ve been eyeing the Ayaneo Flip but were wary about jumping into a crowdfunding project. The company seems committed to a retail release, supported by what they’re calling a “limited restock plan.” Details are still under wraps regarding when these restocked units might hit the shelves, but don’t be surprised if they vanish fast once available.

Here’s hoping there’ll be enough stock to satisfy genuine fans, and that scalpers will keep their distance. The Flip KB and especially the Flip DS offer something fresh in the gaming handhelds arena, with compelling specs under the hood. It’s encouraging to see them get another shot before their next iterations make an entrance down the line.

For those 18 supporters waiting for their orders, there’s still a bit of a wait. Ayaneo has reached out, letting them decide between a refund or a trade-in for another device by March 27. Despite this hiccup, the company’s actions reflect an ongoing commitment to their community, which is always a delight to witness in the tech world.